Get inspired during the Hula O Na Keiki contest in Maui.

Most travelers only experience hula at one of the nightly luaus held at Hawaiian resorts. But to get a deeper insight into the ancient performing art and its significance to Hawaiian culture, head to one of the hula competitions that take place throughout the islands.

The Olympics of hula is the annual Merrie Monarch competition, held the week after Easter in Hilo, on Hawaii Island. It draws thousands of spectators (good luck getting tickets!) and the best hula dancers from 20-plus halau (hula schools) around the state and the continental United States.